Other Vehicle Registrations in South Dakota
How to Register Other Vehicle Types in South Dakota
Special vehicles in South Dakota need to be registered with the SD MVD. Depending on the type of vehicle you want to register, you may have to submit additional or different paperwork, and your fees may be based on factors such as your vehicle's length or weight. Find your vehicle type below for specific details.
Snowmobile Registration in South Dakota
Outside of bicycles and skateboards, South Dakota's Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) requires registration for just about anything with axles and wheels, including snowmobiles.
All snowmobiles must be registered, regardless if you restrict your riding to private property or exclusively to frozen lakes. Your county treasurer handles all registrations. What forms to bring depends on whether you purchased the snowmobile from a dealership or from an individual.
If You Purchased From a Dealership
Here's what you do:
- Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-1001).
- Bring along a purchase order, bill of sale, or sales contract if the Dealer Price Certification is not completed on the application.
- Include the manufacturer's statement of origin.
- Pay the state's 4% excise tax, a $10 license fee that's good for 1 year, and any other applicable fees.
If You Purchased From an Individual
Follow these steps:
- Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-1001).
- Include the bill of sale and transferred title.
- Pay the state's 4% excise tax, a $10 license fee that's good for 1 year, and any other applicable fees.
Trailer Registration
The state requires an annual trailer plate for any trailers being towed by cars, pickups or vans weighing under 6,000 lbs. Vehicles licensed for gross weight can tow a licensed trailer, provided that the combined weight of the trailer and the load being hauled are not included in determining the vehicle's declared gross weight.
Here are the procedures to follow:
- Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-1001). Make sure to include either your Social Security number or driver's license number. The application must be filed with your county treasurer.
- Pay all applicable fees based on your trailer's weight and year.
South Dakota All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Registration
To register your ATV you must:
- Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-1001). You can't submit this anywhere. It must be filed with your county treasurer.
- Include either a manufacturer's statement of origin or a document that validates your ownership.
- Submit a Low Speed and Off Road Affidavit (Form 1015).
- Submit proof that you paid the sales tax.
- Pay all applicable fees.
Low-Speed Vehicles
All low-speed, electrical vehicles with 4 wheels, that cannot achieve speeds greater than 25 MPH on a paved road, cannot be driven on any public road with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or faster.
In addition, theses vehicles must be titled and registered. And you must own a driver's license in order to operate one.
Motorhomes and RVs in South Dakota
If you own a motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) in South Dakota, it must be registered and titled with the DMV much the same was as a regular car. For more information, visit our page on Registering a Car in South Dakota.
Custom-Built Cars
If you have a custom-built car in South Dakota, the registration requirements are the same as for a regular car. Follow the steps outlined on our South Dakota Car Registration page.
Scooter and Moped Registration in SD
All motor-powered cycles must be registered in South Dakota. Our Motorcycle Registration in South Dakota page has complete details.
Most motor-driven cycles and scooters are classed as motorcycles, including:
- Scooters operated while standing.
- Bicycles with motors.
- Mopeds with engines 51 CC or higher.
Mopeds with engines 50 CC or lower are separately categorized but are registered in the same way as motorcycles and other vehicles.